Brighton Pride will deploy armed police after Berlin attack
The force said specialist firearms officers will patrol the city's Pride celebrations alongside neighbourhood police
By Callum Wells
Armed officers will be deployed at Brighton & Hove Pride this weekend, Sussex Police has confirmed.
The force said specialist firearms officers will patrol the city’s Pride celebrations alongside neighbourhood police, plain-clothed officers and other specialist teams as part of an operation planned over several months.
Around 500,000 people are expected to attend the two-day festival, making it the UK’s largest Pride event.
“We encourage everyone attending [Brighton & Hove] Pride to enjoy the celebrations, look out for one another, and report any concerns” – Sussex Police spokesperson
The announcement comes days after the Berlin Pride attack on 25 July. One person was killed and at least 29 others were injured after a man allegedly drove a van into crowds before attacking people with a machete. German authorities later identified the suspect as Abdul Ballout, who was reported to have links to so-called Islamic State. He was shot dead by police after the attack.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “I want to reassure those attending, as well as residents, businesses and visitors across the city, that their safety remains our top priority.
“We will be working tirelessly this week and throughout the weekend, building on the extensive planning that has taken place over many months with event organisers, Brighton and Hove City Council and other partners, to keep everyone safe and ensure an effective policing operation is in place.
“We encourage everyone attending Pride to enjoy the celebrations, look out for one another, and report any concerns.”
“We look forward to Pride being a celebration of the diversity, joy and, above all, the unity of our community” – council leader Bella Sankey addressing the Berlin Pride attack
Council leader Bella Sankey also addressed the attack in Berlin.
She said, “We are deeply saddened by the attacks at Berlin Pride and our thoughts with all those affected…
“We want to reassure all those attending that we are working closely with Brighton and Hove Pride, Sussex Police and our other partners to keep everyone safe.
“We look forward to Pride being a celebration of the diversity, joy and, above all, the unity of our community.”
Speaking after the attack, health secretary Wes Streeting described the violence as “absolutely horrific”. He said Pride events in the UK are “always well policed” and argued the attack demonstrated why Pride celebrations remain important.
READ: Berlin Pride attack: What happened and what we know so far